Students should have a completed rough draft of their Christmas Carol Persuasive Essays as of today.  Over the vacation, they should spend some time revising and editing so that they are ready to turn in a polished final draft on Tuesday, January 5.  

Have a wonderful holiday! 

We have been working away on our Christmas Carol Persuasive Essays.  By tomorrow, all body paragraphs should be completed, as well as the introduction and conclusion outlines.

Today we went on our field trip to A Christmas Carol at the North Shore Music Theater!  It was an amazing show, and we were all very happy with the kids' behavior and rapt attention throughout the performance.  The kids really seemed to enjoy the show - especially Marley's big scene with all of the pyrotechnics.


Tonight's Homework:
Persuasive Essay Outline - everything complete except for Main Idea sections.
Entire outline should be completed for Friday.

Today in class, students acted out their parts in the play in front of the class.  We will hopefully finish up the play tomorrow so that students will be ready to view the play on Wednesday!

Tonight's Homework:
-Finish reading A Christmas Carol Act 2 Scenes 3 & 4
-Complete the first two ghosts - Marley and Past - of the "Ghost Organizer" 

I apologize for missing a few posts; it's been a very busy week!

Over the weekend, students need to read Act 2 Scenes 1 & 2 of A Christmas Carol, and find all of the quotes for their Persuasive Essay Outlines. Please do this in pencil so that we can make corrections on Monday. 

Thank you, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Today in class, we went over the directions for our Christmas Carol Persuasive Essay, and continued reading A Christmas Carol together as a class.

Tonight's Homework:
Read A Christmas Carol Act 1 Scene 3 & 4
Decide on 3 Traits for persuasive essay and find first quote

Today we began reading A Christmas Carol!

Tonight's Homework:
Read A Christmas Carol Act 1 Scene 2 (Page 741 - 750)

Today, students finished their presentations and we began working our Christmas Carol Unit.  Students were assigned roles in the play, and we will begin reading tomorrow.

Tonight's Homework:
A Christmas Carol Anticipation Guide

Today we are hopefully wrapping up our presentations so that we can start reading A Christmas Carol on Monday.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Tonight's Homework: Poor Law Reading and Questions Worksheet

This week students will be giving their presentations - so far they have been wonderful!

Tuesday -Thursday Homework: On Google Classroom
-A Christmas Carol Act 1 Vocabulary packet - Due Friday & will count as quiz grade!

Today students worked on their book reports in the library and signed up for presentation dates.  I told students today, however, that they should all be ready to present on all three days just in case people are absent or presentations are shorter than expected.

Tonight's Homework: Be 100% ready to present for tomorrow!

Today was a bit of a review and catch-up day.  We went over the plot diagrams that students completed over the weekends, and students helped each other correct and perfect their themes.  We also talked about how to turn adjectives into nouns, and reviewed the different types of conflict.

Tonight's Homework:  Turning Adjectives into Nouns Worksheet

Today, students took their Amigo Brothers vocabulary quiz.  We also spent some time going over last night's homework and the expectations for their book reports.

Tonight's Homework:

• Finish reading book report book
• Complete book report plot diagram
• Get book report directions signed

Today, we finished reading "Amigo Brothers" during class and discussed the conflict and how that conflict is impacting the characters.  Students will have a quiz on the Amigo Brothers Vocabulary on Friday.

Thank you, have a good night!

Tonight's homework:
-"Amigo Brothers" Conflict and Character Analysis sheet - Side 1 Quotes only!

Today, we continued reading "Amigo Brothers" and went over the vocabulary.

Tonight's Homework:

• Finish Amigo Brothers Vocabulary
• If doing on Google Classroom, make sure you press "Turn-In"
• If written out on paper, it would be much appreciated if you could scan it onto the Google Classroom document. If you don't know how to do this, you need to make sure that you put your paper copy in your class bin tomorrow.
• Continue reading book report book - should be finished by Monday

Today we started reading "Amigo Brothers" and discussed some of the essential questions that will be examined in this story.

Tonight's Homework:

• Amigo Brothers Vocabulary - definitions, part of speech, synonym and antonym
• This assignment is posted on Google Classroom.  I would rather you complete it on there, but you may print out a copy and handwrite it if necessary. 
• Continue reading book for book report - should be completely finished by Monday

On Friday, students created "Top-Down Webs" on the different types of nouns using a new app on the Ipad called, "Inspiration Maps".  I was so impressed by how quickly they picked it up; I had students teaching me by the end of class!   I have posted a few pictures of completed webs below.  

Weekend Homework:

• Answer Exit Ticket Question on Google Classroom.  This is a difficult question, so give it some thought!  Your answer should be at least 4 sentences long.  Do not hit turn in if you have not pasted a picture of your top down web yet!
• Continue reading books for book report!  Books should be brought to class every day!

Today in class, students worked in groups to sort the different types of nouns and create categories.  This kicked off our unit on Nouns.  We focused primarily on Concrete and Abstract nouns today.

Tonight's Homework:  Types of Nouns Grammar Worksheet (Sorry, online version unavailable)

Today, students had a second day to complete their open response quizzes.  The remainder of class time was used to read book report books.  Students should be bringing these to class every day!

Tonight's Homework: Complete corrections of Characterization Chart.

Today, students worked in groups to finish creating their quiz project.

Tonight's HW:
-Complete Group Project Reflection on Google Classroom
-Study for quiz!
-Put finishing touches on group project and share
-Continue reading book for book report

Today, students began their group project.  Each group will be designing a 20 question quiz on Rikki Tikki Tavi, Elements of Fiction and Characterization.  I will use the quizzes that they create to help create Friday's quiz.

Tonight's Homework:
-Study for Quiz
-Continue reading book report book
-Spend some time on group project if behind

Today, students worked in groups on their plot diagrams after we worked together as a class to come up with the climax.

Tonight's HW:
-Finish plot diagrams (Blue class will finish tomorrow)
-Study for Thursday's Quiz - Rikki Tikki Tavi Characterization, Theme & Elements of Plot

Today in class, students took notes while we discussed the elements of fiction.  Most of this was review, but students were introduced to a few new terms and ideas.

Tonight's HW:
-Complete Elements of Fiction notes and turn in on Google Classroom
-Mystery or Adventure Novel for Book Report #2 due tomorrow

Today we continued reading and discussing the short story,  "Rikki Tikki Tavi".

Tonight's Homework:
-Finish reading "Rikki Tikki Tavi"
-Study for vocabulary quiz

"Rikki Tikki Tavi" Vocabulary Answer Key
"Rikki Tikki Tavi" Text
"Rikki Tikki Tavi" audio book

Today in class, we went over the vocabulary and the first page of the characterization charts.  Students then worked in groups on their characterization charts.  We will have a vocabulary quiz on Wednesday - this will be the last quiz grade of this quarter, so study hard!

Tonight's Homework:
Nag & Nagaina Characterization Chart (P. 2)
Study for Vocabulary Quiz

Tonight's HW: 

-Complete Rikki Tikki Characterization Chart - First page only!

-Complete vocabulary packet - ALL

     **Add #9 Cunning & #10 Consolation

Today, students began reading "Rikki Tikki Tavi" and filling in a characterization chart.

Tonight's HW:
Read "Rikki Tikki Tavi" to bottom of page 793
Complete "Rikki Tikki Tavi" Characterization Chart (First page only!)

Rikki Tikki Tavi Characterization Chart
Rikki Tikki Tavi Text
Rikki Tikki Tavi Audiobook

Today, students took notes on Characterization.  We also watched a short video biography on Rudyard Kipling, the author of the next story that we will be reading.

Students also brought in their beautiful Theme in a Bottle Projects today - they're taking over my room!

Tonight's HW: Finish Book Report Letter - Must be submitted by 9:00 tonight

Today, students were introduced to our next short story, "Rikki Tikki Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling.  We did an anticipation guide and had a bit of discussion about some of the key themes from the story.  Then, students began filling out their vocabulary charts.

Tonight's Homework:
Complete Vocabulary Chart #1-8 using words from the textbook.
Only fill in:
-Word
-Definition
-Part of speech
-Illustration

Textbook Page with Vocabulary words
Vocabulary Chart

On Friday, students took their Chapter 8 Grammar Test on the four types of sentences, Subject & Predicate, and sentence fragments.  These grades have been posted on Aspen.  Most students did very well, but I will be offering retakes on Thursday of next week.  I will also be available on Wednesday for extra help preparing for this retake.

Weekend Homework:
-Final Draft of Patient Zero Creative Writing Assignment due Sunday by 9:00 PM
-Finish reading book for book report - will be given time to work on project in class on Monday

Today, students peer edited and revised their Patient Zero Ending rough drafts.  We also went over the study guide for tomorrow's test.  I posted a few links on Google Classroom to helpful videos and notes that students can use to study at home.

Tonight's Homework:  Study!!

Today in English, I introduced students to my "Banned Word Wall".  The first words we are adding to this list are Good and Bad.  We discussed how these words do not give enough information, and then students revised their Patient Zero endings by taking out any usage of these two words.

We also went over last night's homework, and the test coming up on Friday.  This test will be on the four sentence types, Subject & Predicate, and sentence fragments.

Tonight's HW: Sentence types, Subject & Predicate, and Sentence Fragments Test Study Guide

Today, we reviewed subject, predicate, and identifying fragments.  Then, students were given time to work in groups on their Patient Zero theme worksheet because many had trouble with it over the weekend.

Tonight's Homework:  Grammar Practice Worksheet - Subject, Predicate & Fragments

Today in class, students read an article that delves into the hidden messages and themes of the movie Beauty and the Beast.  We then transitioned into talking about the themes of Patient Zero, and students worked in groups to find the themes and main idea.

We also went over expectations for the Patient Zero Creative Writing Assignment, and the first book report project.  The assignment sheets for both of these are posted below.

Homework:
-- Patient Zero Theme worksheet
--  Patient Zero Creative Writing Assignment - Rough draft due Tuesday
      **Should be "turned in" on Google Classroom by 9:00 or will be considered late**


Patient Zero Creative Writing Assignment Guidelines and Rubric
Patient Zero Creative Writing Assignment Brainstorming Sheets
Book Report #1: Theme in a Bottle


Patient Zero Theme Worksheet

Today was our last day writing in the library.  Tomorrow we will be wrapping up Patient Zero so that we can start out next short story on Tuesday.

Patient Zero Creative Writing Assignments should be submitted on Google Classroom by Monday  at 9:00 PM!!!

Today in ELA, we continued writing our Patient Zero endings in the library.  Everyone has been working very hard.  Some students shared what they have written so far with the rest of the class.

I have started reading through what students have written so far, and I have been so impressed with their creativity and ability to capture the narrator's voice.  If you have not gotten a chance to read your child's assignment yet, ask them about it!  I am sure that you will be just as blown away as I am.

Today, students began writing their creative endings for Patient Zero in the library.  Students should be working on these at home as well.

Today we went over the directions and expectations for our Patient Zero Creative Writing Assignment.  We will be working on this in class for a few days this week, but students should also be working on it at home.  The assignment will be done completely on Google Classroom - there is no need to print anything.

Tonight's HW: Finish Point of View Brainstorming Sheet

Today in ELA, we discussed and continued reading our short story, "Patient Zero".

Tonight's Homework:  Finish reading Patient Zero and complete Patient Zero Inference Chart that we started in class earlier this week.

Today in ELA, we started off our day by playing Parts of speech Charades.  Then, we discussed subjects and predicates, and students did a very impressive job identifying simple subjects and simple predicates.

Tonight's Homework:
Simple Subject / Simple Predicate Worksheet
Read to bottom of page 8 in Patient Zero

 I stressed to students today that if they are having trouble remembering or differentiating between the parts of speech, that they should put some time in at home working on it.  I will put links to a few games on here, but there are a million different apps and online games that they could use to practice these.

I am also putting a link below to the permission slip for our field trip to A Christmas Carol.  Many students have not yet handed them in.

 A Christmas Carol Permission Slip

Grammar Gorillas - Parts of Speech Game

Panda Pop - Click on the correct part of speech and a Panda gets a treat.

A site with a whole giant list of games to practice Parts of Speech

Today in ELA, we read a very short story about "Messy Missy", and created a list of topics and a moral for this story.  We then used these two tools to generate meaningful and well-written themes.
We spent the remainder of class going over our quizzes on Theme and Point of View, and I explained to students that they are able to do corrections on this quiz in order to gain back some points.  These will be due on Friday.  I will be after school on Wednesday and Thursday for students who need extra help with these quiz corrections.

Tonight's homework:
-Get quizzes signed and answer questions on sheet attached to quizzes.
-Begin working on quiz corrections - due Friday!

Today in ELA we continued reading Patient Zero.  We went over students' comprehension questions and point of view worksheets.

Tonight's Homework:  Complete Subjects & Complete Predicates Worksheet - Page 1

Thursday, September 24

Today we continued reading our story, "Patient Zero". Students seem to be enjoying it, and are coming up with some very creative and insightful inferences and predictions as we read.

Tonight's Homework: Reading Comprehension Questions Sheet.

I have also put this assignment on google classroom, so students may complete the questions on there if they prefer.

Looking forward to meeting parents at Back to School tonight!

Wednesday, September 23

Today was an exciting day in ELA.  We talked about inferences and how we make them.  Then, we began reading our first short story in the unit, "Patient Zero".  To emphasize just how much inference goes on when we read, I had students dig to find as many inferences as possible in just the first paragraph, and we found so many that we didn't make it to the second!

We will continue reading tomorrow in class.  This story has been my students' favorite in past years, and I am sure that 7A students will enjoy it this year as well.  Can't wait!

HW: Find a book for book report by Monday

Patient Zero Inference Chart

Patient Zero Text

Inference Cartoons

Tuesday, September 22

Today we went up to the library so that students could choose a book for their first book report.

No homework tonight.

Monday, September 21

Good afternoon, sorry this is a little late today!

Today in class, students took their quiz on theme and point of view.  Many were not able to finish by the end of class, so I will give them some time tomorrow to finish it up.

Tonight's homework: Sentences and Fragments Worksheet.  Rewrite all fragments to make them complete sentences.

See you tomorrow!

Friday, September 18

Today in class, we went over the study guide for Monday's quiz.  Then, we had students perform dramatic readings of journals written from a dog's and a cat's point of view.  We discussed how and why their experiences of the same house were so different, and then students began writing journal entries of their own to describe a childhood memory first from their point of view, and then from the point of view of another person involved.

Students will take their quiz on Monday.  The answer key to the study guide is posted below.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Theme and Point of View Study Guide Answer Key

Thursday, September 17

Today in class, we finished our notes on Point of View.  Some classes were able to start the Point of View activity, but others were not, so I have decided to push the quiz until Monday so that students will have a bit more time to prepare.

Homework Tonight: Complete study guide sections A and B.  This may either be done on a separate sheet of paper, or on Google Classroom.  Please do NOT try to cram your answers onto the study guide itself - it will be a mess, and will not help you study.

Have a good night!

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Today was a very busy day in ELA!  Students received their Grammar textbooks, which will be left at home and therefore do not need to be covered.  We have a class set that we can use in school.  We began chapter 8, which is all about Subjects, Predicates and types of sentences.  Then, we moved on to begin our notes on Point of View and types of narrators.

Students will have a quiz on Friday on Theme and Point of View.  I have posted the study guide below, and students will receive a paper copy tomorrow in class.  Students should also read over their notes, and take another look at the Powerpoints that we went over in class, which are also posted below.  

Tonight's Homework:  

Grammar Textbook P. 358 Exercise 1 #6-10 and Exercise 2 # 1-10

Theme Powerpoint

Point of View Powerpoint

Theme and Point of View Quiz Study Guide

Tuesday, September 15

Today in class, students used the new methods of finding theme that were introduced on Friday to find topics and themes from The Red Kayak together as a class.  Then, we watched the video "Paperman", and students worked in groups to find topics and themes for this video.

Homework: Finish The Red Kayak and Paperman Theme steps worksheet.
Red Kayak Theme Worksheet

Thursday September 10

Today we began our introduction to theme. If you were absent today, please look over the notes in your absent packet and come see me if you have any questions.

Completed Red Kayak worksheet packets due tomorrow. 

Friday, September 11

Happy Friday!  Today we finished our introductory notes on theme.  A link to the slideshow is below, as well as the notes sheet that goes along with it.

There is no homework.  Enjoy your weekend!

Theme Slideshow

Theme Slideshow Notes Sheet

Wednesday September 9

Today, students took their last pre-tests for the beginning of the year.  We learned how to summarize a novel and how to decide what to include and what to leave out.  Students then worked in groups to complete a summary of the novel The Red Kayak.

This summary, along with the time line and the character chart that students were given yesterday, will be collected on Friday and graded as three separate classwork grades.

Today we discussed the use of flashback in literature, and talked about how flashback is used in The Red Kayak.  We also reviewed the novel and went over the important characters and events.  Students then worked in groups to complete a timeline and begin their character charts.

Tonight's HW: Complete Red Kayak timeline and character chart.  Link to this assignment is below.


Red Kayak Review Packet

Today, students took their reading and writing pretest.  As I told students, they will not see their grades on this test until the end of the year, because they will be taking the same exact test again in June.  Once the post tests are graded, students will be able to look at both tests and see their growth.

There is no homework.  Enjoy the long weekend!

Today, students took a quiz on the novel that they chose to read over the summer.  After that, students worked in pairs on a review crossword puzzle for The Red Kayak.  Finally, we talked about what tomorrow's reading and writing pretest is going to look like, and how to approach the open response.

Tonight's Homework:  Letter to Miss A due tomorrow

Today we spoke in detail about our class expectations and procedures.  We talked about what it means to be on a team, and how procedures can help students be independent.

Tonight's Homework:
-Summer Reading Book Quiz tomorrow
-Write a letter to Miss Arrington - Due Thursday

8/31 First day of School!

HW: Read over Syllabus and Class Procedures List
Parent/Guardian Signature on Syllabus - First homework grade!